Category: Dental Emergency

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency? Understanding the Urgency of Dental Care

Posted on by Dr. Brian Evans

Dental emergencies can strike unexpectedly, causing discomfort and anxiety. Knowing what constitutes a dental emergency is crucial for prompt and effective treatment. So let’s take a look at what may qualify a dental emergency, the importance of urgent dental care, and how to find an emergency dentist in Reno for immediate assistance.

Defining a Dental Emergency

A dental emergency refers to a situation where immediate professional intervention is required to alleviate severe pain, prevent further damage, or save a tooth. Understanding the signs of a dental emergency can help individuals seek timely care and prevent complications. Some common dental emergencies may include: 

  • Severe Toothache

A persistent, throbbing toothache that disrupts daily activities may indicate a dental emergency. It could be a sign of an infection or a dental abscess, requiring urgent attention.

  • Knocked-Out Tooth

If a tooth is knocked out due to trauma or injury, seeking emergency dental care in Reno within the first hour increases the chances of successful re-implantation.

  • Broken or Fractured Tooth

A cracked or broken tooth can cause immense pain and requires immediate attention to prevent infection or further damage.

  • Bleeding Gums or Oral Tissues

Uncontrolled bleeding from the gums or any oral tissues may indicate a serious problem, such as advanced gum disease or an injury that needs immediate evaluation.

  • Lost Dental Restoration

Losing a filling or crown can expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, causing pain and leaving it vulnerable to further damage. Seeking urgent dental care in Reno is crucial in such situations.

Importance of Urgent Dental Care

Prompt attention to dental emergencies is essential for several reasons:

  • Pain Management

Dental emergencies can also come with severe pain. Timely intervention by an emergency dentist can provide relief and prevent the pain from escalating.

  • Prevention of Complications

Ignoring a dental emergency can lead to complications such as infections, abscesses, or further damage to the teeth and surrounding tissues. Timely treatment helps prevent these issues.

  • Preserving Oral Health

Quick action can make a significant difference in preserving oral health. Whether it’s saving a knocked-out tooth or addressing a severe infection, urgent dental care is key to maintaining a healthy smile.

Finding Emergency Dentists in Reno

When faced with a dental emergency, it’s crucial to know what to do and who to turn to for immediate assistance. If you find yourself in a dental emergency, contact your dentist in Reno for immediate assistance. They can help guide you in the next steps you should take to alleviate pain and address the issue promptly.

Understanding what qualifies as a dental emergency empowers individuals to seek timely care, preventing further complications and preserving oral health. Your dentist is here to help ensure that you receive the urgent dental care you need when it matters most.

Essential Dental First Aid Items Every Family Should Have

Posted on by goldenproportions

Accidents can happen at any time, and dental emergencies are no exception. But having a well-equipped dental first aid kit at home can make a significant difference in handling unexpected dental issues promptly and effectively. Keep in mind that all dental emergencies should warrant a phone call to your dentist in Reno. However, having a specialized dental first aid kit can help you address oral health emergencies with precision before you can get in for an exam. 

The Basics of a Dental First Aid Kit

  • Gloves

Safety comes first. Disposable gloves ensure that you maintain proper hygiene while administering first aid.

  • Gauze Pads and Cotton Balls

These are versatile tools to help stop bleeding, cushion sensitive areas, and clean wounds.

  • Dental Mirror 

A dental mirror helps you see those hard-to-see areas.

  • Dental Floss and Floss Picks

These are essential for dislodging food particles stuck between teeth, which can cause discomfort or even infection.

  • Saline Solution

This is useful for rinsing out the mouth, cleansing wounds, and soothing irritation.

  • Temporary Dental Filling Material

A temporary filling can temporarily seal a cavity or a broken tooth, providing relief until you can see a dentist.

  • Dental Wax

This can be used to cover sharp or jagged edges of a broken tooth, braces, or other dental appliances, preventing further irritation or injury.

  • Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Pain can be a major concern during dental emergencies, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Consult a dentist or healthcare provider about which pain relievers to include in your kit.

  • Clove Oil

Known for its natural numbing properties, clove oil can provide temporary relief for toothaches.

  • Emergency Dental Contact Information

Keep a list of emergency dental contacts, including your dentist in Reno.

Addressing Common Dental Emergencies

  • Toothache

A sudden toothache can be agonizing. Rinse your mouth with warm water, use dental floss to dislodge any debris, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help, but consult your dentist if the pain persists.

  • Chipped or Broken Tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm water and collect any tooth fragments. If there’s bleeding, apply gauze with gentle pressure. Cover any sharp edges with dental wax and call your dentist.

  • Knocked-Out Tooth

Time is critical here. Handle the tooth by its crown (top), not the roots. Rinse it gently with water and try to place it back into the socket if possible. If that’s not feasible, store it in a container with milk or saliva, and seek dental care immediately.

  • Object Stuck Between Teeth

Use dental floss to gently remove the object. Never use sharp or pointed objects that could damage gums.

Every home should have a dental first aid kit. By being prepared to handle dental emergencies promptly, you can alleviate pain, prevent complications, and increase the chances of successful treatment when you’re able to reach a dentist. Remember that while a dental first aid kit is a useful tool, it’s not a substitute for professional dental care. Always consult your dentist in Reno for proper diagnosis and treatment after administering first aid.

What To Do If You Have a Dental Emergency

Posted on by goldenproportions

Dental emergencies can strike unexpectedly, causing pain and distress. Whether it’s a broken tooth, severe toothache, or a knocked-out tooth, knowing what to do if you have a dental emergency is crucial. Let’s take a look at some of the essential steps your dentist in Reno would encourage you to take during a dental emergency.

Stay Calm & Assess

During any emergency, including a dental emergency, it’s natural to immediately feel anxious, overwhelmed, and panicky. However, one of the best things you can do is to stay calm and assess the situation. Identify the severity of the injury, check to see if any other areas are affected, and determine what you should do next (Hint: you should probably see your dentist). 

Call Your Dentist

Even if your dental emergency doesn’t seem so serious after your adrenaline wears off, you should still contact your dentist in Reno. Explain what happened as well as any symptoms you’re experiencing such as pain, swelling, or bleeding. Your dentist will be able to tell you the best course of action and schedule an appointment to see you quickly if needed. 

Find Temporary Relief 

While waiting for professional help, you can take certain measures to help get temporary relief. Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen following the recommended dosage and if it’s safe for you. Do not place aspirin directly on the gums as it can cause tissue irritation. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can also help reduce swelling and numb the pain. 

Knowing what to do in case of a dental emergency by following these three tips can help you remain calm and get the care you need. However, there are some emergency-specific tricks you should know about. 

  • Knocked-Out Tooth – If you or someone you know has a knocked-out tooth, acting quickly is crucial. Carefully pick up the tooth by the crown (avoid touching the root) and gently rinse it with water. Attempt to place the tooth back into the socket, if possible. If not, store it in a container with milk or saliva to keep it moist. Rush to the dentist within 30 minutes, as the chances of saving the tooth decrease rapidly after that.
  • Lost Filling – There are a number of things that can cause a filling to fall out, leaving a hole in your tooth. This can be painful as your tooth roots may now be exposed. The best thing to do is to fill the hole to protect those roots. Many pharmacies and grocery stores have dental cement you can buy and use to fill the hole. While this may help reduce pain, it is only a temporary solution and you should still see your dentist as soon as you can. 

  • Chipped or Broken Tooth – An injury or even something hard and crunchy can chip or break a tooth. Don’t panic. First, find any pieces of the tooth and rinse them off with water. If you’re bleeding, apply a piece of gauze with gentle pressure. A cold compress can help with the pain and any swelling that may occur. There are many ways a tooth can be fixed, so again, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Reno. 

A dental emergency can be a distressing experience, but being prepared and knowing what to do can make a significant difference. Staying calm, contacting your dentist, and taking temporary pain relief measures are crucial initial steps. Remember, every dental emergency is unique, and the information provided here serves as a general guide. It’s essential to seek professional dental care as soon as possible to ensure the best possible outcome for your oral health.

When Should You Wear a Mouthguard? 

Posted on by goldenproportions

Playing sports and being physically active is great for overall health. However, sports and other activities that involve physical contact can come with a risk of dental injury. That’s why your dentist in Reno will always recommend that both adults and kids wear a mouthguard while playing sports. In fact, mouthguards are one of the most effective ways to prevent dental injuries.

How Does a Mouthguard Protect Teeth?

A mouthguard is an important piece of sports equipment that can protect teeth and other areas of the mouth against injuries. Mouthguards fit over the teeth and gums and are designed to absorb and distribute the force of any impact, minimizing the risk of dental injury. Dental injuries can be painful, expensive, and sometimes even permanent, so it’s important to take measures to prevent them. If anyone in your family plays sports, talk to your dentist in Reno about the best mouthguard for them. 

3 Types of Mouthguards

Speaking of the best mouthguards, there are actually several different types of mouthguards to consider, each having some pros and cons.

  1. Stock Mouthguards: The most affordable type of mouthguard is a stock mouthguard. They’re also very convenient as they can be found in most sporting goods stores. However, since stock mouthguards are pre-formed, they may not fit well, and therefore, may not provide the best protection.
  2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: Perhaps the most common type of mouthguard is the boil-and-bite. These mouthguards are made from material that softens when boiled. As the name suggests, you can boil the mouthguard, allow it to cool just a little, place it in your mouth and bite down. The boil-and-bite method allows for a more custom shape around the teeth and provides a better fit and better protection. 
  3. Custom-Made Mouthguards: The top-tier mouthguards are custom-made by a dentist in Reno. After taking precise impressions of your teeth, a super-custom, and super-comfortable mouthguard will be created. Custom mouthguards are the most expensive option but also provide the best protection. Plus, many times your dentist can make them in custom colors! 

Benefits of Mouthguards

Ensuring that you wear a mouthguard (and wear it properly) every time you play a sport can offer a wide range of benefits, including:

  • Prevent Tooth Damage: Mouthguards are designed to take on the force of a physical impact, lowering the risk of tooth damage. They can protect against broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth.
  • Keep Gums Safe: While mouthguards are well known for their ability to protect teeth, they can also keep gums and other soft tissues in the mouth safe. Guarding teeth can help avoid injuries to the lips, cheek, tongue, and gums. 
  • Protect Against Serious Injuries: Outside of preventing dental injuries, mouthguards can also help protect against serious injuries such as concussions, jaw fractures, and neck injuries.

If you or your child are active in sports or other activities where contact can occur, ask your dentist in Reno about which mouthguard they recommend.

What Are Some Habits That Are Bad for Teeth? 

Posted on by goldenproportions

So much more goes into maintaining a healthy smile besides brushing and flossing your teeth and seeing your dentist in Reno, although those are certainly important. Everything from what we eat and drink to our everyday habits can impact oral health. In fact, there are many habits that are bad for teeth, and some of them you may not even realize you’re doing or know could negatively affect oral health. 

  • Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard

Many people may equate brushing their teeth to them needing a good scrubbing. But the truth is, there is no need to brush so hard. In fact, using too much pressure or brushing vigorously can cause damage. Brushing roughly can wear down tooth enamel, increasing the risk of tooth sensitivity and making teeth more susceptible to decay. Additionally, brushing too hard can irritate the gums and cause them to recede. You should always brush using gentle strokes at a 45-degree angle with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

  • Using Teeth for Things Other Than Chewing

Using your teeth for things other than chewing and speaking could mean an emergency trip to your dentist in Reno. Using your teeth as a third hand to help hold onto something or as a pair of scissors to help open a package can easily damage your teeth. Broken restorations or broken or chipped natural teeth are two of the most common problems linked to using your teeth as tools. Instead, it is always worth taking your time and finding an appropriate tool.

  • Crunching Ice

Crunching on cold, hard ice may seem harmless, and could even be rewarding. But doing so can also break restorations or teeth. Additionally, chronically crunching ice can create small cracks in the teeth. Over time, these cracks can become bigger and bigger, causing problems. 

  • Nail Biting

One of the most common habits that are bad for teeth is nail biting. Even though tooth enamel is hard, nails are also hard, and chronically biting them can cause tooth damage such as chipping a tooth. Nail biting can also cause teeth to move, making them appear crooked, overcrowded, or overlapped. Besides that, habitually biting your nails can even make you place your jaw in an unnatural position, which could lead to jaw pain and TMJ. 

  • Using Tobacco

All types of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, are bad for both overall and oral health. Not only can this habit increase the risk of cancer throughout the body, but it can also increase the risk of developing oral cancer. Additionally, tobacco use can stain teeth, cause decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.

  • Clenching Your Teeth

Clenching or grinding your teeth could be one of those habits that you may not even realize you’re doing. Often done subconsciously or even during sleep, constantly clenching or grinding teeth could wear down teeth and make them appear short, easily cause chips or cracks, or lead to jaw pain.

Habits are called habits for a reason – they’re part of our lives and they’re hard to break. But there are ways to break them, and we believe that you can. In the meantime, make sure to talk to your dentist in Reno about any habits you have so that they can be on the lookout for any common problems associated with them and offer some tips to quit. 

Why Do My Teeth Hurt?

Posted on by Dr. Brian Evans

Pain in your teeth is such a unique yet unpleasant feeling. The zings and throbbing that come along with a toothache are enough to make you miserable. We get it, and even though we don’t wish toothaches on anyone, the truth is, they happen. But sometimes the hardest part of treating a toothache is finding out what’s causing the pain in the first place. That’s where your dentist in Reno comes in. 

Common Reasons Why Your Teeth Hurt

A toothache is often different from other pains we experience throughout our bodies. Most of the time, we can’t see that anything is wrong with our teeth, but we sure can feel it. While it’s important to have your dentist properly diagnose the source of a toothache, here are some of the most common reasons behind tooth pain. 

  • Cavity

A cavity is essentially a hole in the tooth. If left untreated over time, the cavity will become larger. If the cavity gets so big that it gets too close to the nerves, you will feel it. Cavities can usually be fixed through fillings, but cavities that are too big and too deep may require a root canal. 

  • Abscess

Caused by a bacterial infection, an abscess is a pocket of pus that can pop up on different areas of our mouths. The pain is usually a throbbing type and it can move into the ears and jaw. Sometimes, an abscess also causes facial swelling or a bad taste in your mouth. 

  • Broken Tooth

Believe it or not, you can break or chip a tooth and not know it, that is until you feel it. A broken or chipped tooth can expose the nerves and cause pain. 

  • Clenching or Grinding

Habitually clenching your teeth when you’re stressed out or grinding your teeth at night can cause tooth pain. These habits can also lead to broken teeth as well as jaw pain. 

  • Gum Disease

It can be difficult to tell the difference between gum pain and tooth pain, and sometimes what we think is a toothache is actually a sign of gum disease. If not treated, gum disease can progress into more serious forms and increase pain, cause tooth loss, and even lead to other problems throughout the body. 

The best way to find out why your teeth hurt is to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Reno. We’ll perform an in-depth examination and take any x-rays we may need to find out once and for all what’s causing your tooth pain. After we know the culprit, we’ll know exactly how to fix it. 

What To Do For a Toothache

While you’re waiting for your dental appointment, there are several at-home toothache remedies you can try such as: 

  • Rinsing With Salt Water – Mix warm water with salt, take swig, swish, spit, and repeat. This can dry out any fluid that may be putting pressure on your nerves and ease the pain. You can repeat this several times throughout the day.
  • Applying Ice – There’s a reason doctors recommend using ice to treat any injury — it works! Ice reduces inflammation and, in turn, can relieve any pressure on the nerves. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel directly to the outside of your cheek next to the painful area.
  • Taking Anti-inflammatories – Another way to reduce inflammation is to take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine. Take these as directed and if your health history allows, and never apply an anti-inflammatory medication directly on your gums or teeth. 
  • Using Anesthetic – The next best thing to getting your toothache treated is to temporarily numb the area through the use of an anesthetic. Pharmacies and grocery stores carry over-the-counter oral anesthetics for this exact purpose.

Depending on what’s causing your tooth pain, some of these tips may work better than others. Try a few and find what gives you the most relief. But remember, these remedies are temporary. It’s still important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment from your dentist in Reno. 

De-stress and Protect Your Oral Health

Posted on by Dr. Brian Evans

During these times of change and uncertainty, it’s only natural to feel stressed out. After all, we’ve all been thrust into staying at home and figuring out our new, temporary norm. Your dentist in Reno understands. We’re in this together, and we’d like to help by talking about how stress can affect your oral health while also providing you a few tips on how you can lower your stress during stressful times.

How Our Bodies React to Stress
Stress affects different people in different ways, and what happens to one person may not happen to another. Knowing that, let’s take a look at some of the ways our oral health tends to respond to stress.

  • Teeth Clenching & Grinding – One of the most common correlations between stress and oral health is our body’s often subconscious response to clench and grind our teeth. Most of the time, we may not even know we’re doing these things until we start to experience the side effects. The pressure of repeated teeth-on-teeth clenching can be too much for our teeth and may lead to some serious concerns including chipped, cracked, broken, or worn down teeth. But that’s not all. Constant clenching or grinding can put unnatural stress on our jaw joint and jaw muscles, which can cause jaw pain and the development of TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder and jaw pain can often be treated successfully, so if you recognize any clicking or popping in the jaw joint, jaw pain, or occasional jaw locking call your dentist in Reno.*
  • Gum Disease – Gum disease is a serious oral health problem that can contribute to other whole-body health concerns such as the increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, respiratory disease, and some cancers. Usually, gum disease is a result of inadequate oral hygiene, not seeing your dentist regularly, or tobacco use. However, recent studies have also shown a connection between increased stress and the occurrence of gum disease. Gum disease can be treated if caught early, so if you notice bleeding gums, bad breath that doesn’t go away, or swollen, painful gums, see your dentist.

De-Stress to Protect
Your dentist in Reno wants to encourage you to try different things to help you de-stress, for your overall health, mental health, and yes, your oral health. Some things you can try include:

  • Sleeping Well. Getting enough sleep is important to help lower stress and keep your overall body functioning well. Having trouble sleeping? Avoid blue light at least an hour before bed, listen to calming music or relaxing sounds, and keep a regular sleep schedule (yes, even on weekends).
  • Exercising Daily. Hop on the treadmill or stationary bike, go for a walk, do some yoga, but whatever you do, do some sort of exercise daily. Regular exercise naturally lowers stress by giving your body and brain a surge of endorphins, which make you feel happy and more relaxed.
  • Meditating. Believe it or not, simply focusing on your breath and practicing some deep breathing techniques can lower your heart rate and blood pressure and help you feel more relaxed. Look for a free app on your phone or videos online to help guide you through breathing exercises or full meditation sessions.

It’s more important now than ever before to work on decreasing stress levels. We hope some of the tips above help. As we’ve mentioned before, stress is different for everyone, and that also includes stress management. Try to find the method that works best for you.

*At the time of publishing, the ADA recommends that all preventive dental appointments and non-emergency consultations be postponed. Please check with your local regulations.

Dental Emergencies vs. Non-Emergencies

Posted on by Dr. Brian Evans

As of March 18, 2020, the American Dental Association has recommended a nationwide postponement of all elective dental procedures and encouraged dentists to provide emergency services only. But how do you determine the difference between a dental emergency and a non-emergency? The ADA is helping out there, too and released important information and guidance to help both you and your dentist in Reno during these unprecedented times. 

What Are Dental Emergencies?

According to the ADA, dental emergencies are “potentially life-threatening and require immediate treatment to stop ongoing tissue bleeding [or to] alleviate severe pain or infection.” The guide released to dentists back in March goes into even more detail to give specific examples of potential dental emergencies. Let’s take a look. 

  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Cellulitis or soft tissue infection with swelling that can affect breathing 
  • Trauma to facial bones that may reduce someone’s ability to breathe

Urgent Dental Care

There is also a subset of the ADA’s guidelines to emergency dental needs called urgent dental care. These problems may still require dental care quickly and include: 

  • Severe dental pain caused by pulpal inflammation
  • Third-molar pain
  • Tooth fractures with pain or resulting in soft tissue trauma
  • Post-op complications such as dry socket 
  • Abscess or localized bacterial infection with swelling
  • Dental trauma that results in a lost tooth 
  • Lost or broken temporary restoration or if a restoration is irritating the gum tissue

This is not an all-inclusive list of all dental emergencies that may require immediate treatment. Other situations may include defective restorations that cause pain, extensive cavities or decay that cause pain, needed adjustments to dental appliances when they aren’t functioning properly, or the replacement of temporary fillings where the patient is in pain. 

Non-Emergencies

At this time, dental offices are discouraged from having preventive, routine appointments or seeing patients with non-urgent needs such as: 

  • Initial consultation for cosmetic procedures
  • Restorative dentistry such as fillings if there is no pain
  • Extractions of teeth that are not causing pain
  • Dental cleanings, x-rays, and routine checkups. 

Please note, while your dentist in Reno is here to help you in any way possible, there are some limitations as to what we can and cannot do at this time. The best thing to do if you think you’re experiencing a dental emergency is to call your dentist. 

*As information about COVID-19 changes regularly both at the state level and on a national scale, please check your local area for the most recent updates regarding dental care.